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Johnny Rockets to expand to Italy, Paraguay, Canada

Johnny Rockets announced agreements for 49 new restaurant locations in Italy, Paraguay and Canada.

October 26, 2015

As part of its strategy to double its global footprint by 2017, Johnny Rockets announced agreements for 49 new restaurant locations in Italy, Paraguay and Canada, with some locations opening as early as 2016, according to a company press release.

"Johnny Rockets' prototype flexibility and unique menu offerings are spurring this growth through Europe, South America and north of the border," said James Walker, president of operations and development, Johnny Rockets. "With our traditional prototype and new Express and Route 66 models, we can serve guests in various venues, from shopping malls to airports to amusement parks. This has captured the attention of international franchise partners looking for a concept that works well in various regions and serves a variety of guests."

Groppetti Holding Srl., led by Giangiacomo Groppetti, recently signed a Johnny Rockets franchise partner agreement to open three restaurants in Northern Italy, including the Tuscany region, the release said. Groppetti plans to open the first location in Brescia and will also focus on growth in Milano and Verona.

In Paraguay, franchisees Julia Villamide and Claudia Pampliega signed an agreement to develop six Johnny Rockets restaurants throughout the country. They will bring the brand to Asuncion, the country's capital, as part of Shopping Mariscal, one of the largest shopping venues in the city, the release said. In addition, Villamide and Pampliega are looking to grow in other cities, including Ciudad del Este and Encarnacion.

In Canada, Johnny Rockets secured a minimum 40-restaurant master agreement with franchise partner Lewis Gelmon. Originally from Canada, Gelmon has extensive experience in the Canadian market, bringing various American franchise brands to the country, according to the release. Gelmon and his team are the first Canadian Johnny Rockets master franchisor for the country, and they are currently evaluating locations to determine where the first restaurants will open in late 2016.

Johnny Rockets operates more than 340 franchise and corporate locations in 26 countries around the world.